In 1855, a 19-year-old woman named Celia was executed by hanging in Missouri. Her crime? She had murdered her owner, a man who purchased her when she was just 14 years old and had been forcing her to be his concubine ever since.

There was no dispute that she had killed him. She had even confessed. But Celia’s defense attorneys boldly argued that Celia was permitted to use deadly force to protect herself from rape, basing their argument on a Missouri statute intended to protect white women. Elsewhere in the South, assault on a slave was considered “trespass,” and because in this case the rapist was also Celia’s owner, he was not able to trespass on his own property.

I grew up watching movies like “Sleeping with the Enemy,” and “Not Without my Daughter,” where the female protagonists experience violent and disturbing abuse from their husbands. At my progressive, liberal women’s college, I learned about women’s rights violations, and they angered me tremendously. So when I became a criminal defense attorney, I suspected that representing those accused of domestic violence could pose a challenge.

It’s the question any driver on the road hates to hear: “Do you know why I pulled you over?”

The answer can sometimes be pretty simple. Yes, I was going 85 in a 40. Yes, I didn’t want to wait at the red arrow when no one was coming on what I thought was a deserted road, so I turned against it.

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The Law Office of Becky Briggs is a Pueblo-based law firm that specializes in criminal defense. The firm represents clients throughout Eastern Colorado and beyond who are facing charges at all levels. The firm has extensive expertise in DUI cases and is experienced at defending all types of criminal charges, with a special focus on sex offenses.

The Law Office of Becky Briggs also represents clients in other areas of law. Please contact the firm to discuss your legal needs.

Each case and client are different, and the Law Office of Becky Briggs will conduct an initial evaluation based on your unique circumstances.

The consequences of a criminal charge can extend beyond the judicial system. The Law Office of Becky Briggs can help you navigate through those consequences.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this or associated pages, documents, comments, answers, emails, or other communications should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. The information on this website is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing of this information does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.